Self Assessment filers are using the self-serve Time to Pay facility to spread the cost of their tax bill.
Since 6th April 2022, almost 21,600 Self Assessment filers who were unable to pay their tax bill in full have set up a payment plan to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments – an increase of around 3,900 on the previous year.
The deadline to submit tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31st January 2023 and HMRC is encouraging anyone yet to complete their return to do it early. Those who have already completed their Self Assessment know what they owe and can budget to make payments on time.
Filing early also means those who are unable to pay their tax bill in full by the deadline, have time to access support and advice. HMRC may be able to help by arranging a payment plan.
In the 12 months to 5th April 2022, almost 142,000 filers chose to use self-serve Time to Pay to pay any tax owed for the 2020 to 2021 tax year, spreading the cost of around £475 million into monthly instalments.
We’re here to help customers get their tax right and if you are worried about how to pay your Self Assessment bill, help and support is available. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘help pay Self Assessment’ to find out more.
Using HMRC’s self-serve Time to Pay facility means benefitting from a tailored payment plan via monthly direct debits. This means they can spread the cost of their tax bill based on how much is owed and the length of time they need to pay. Self Assessment filers can apply if they:
- have filed their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year
- owe less than £30,000
- can pay in full within 12 months
If owing more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.
A list of alternative payment options, including payment via the free and secure HMRC App, are available. A full list of payment options and eligibility criteria is available. Help and support is available for those completing their Self Assessment tax returns. There is also a series of videos on YouTube.
HMRC warns Self Assessment filers to be alert to the risk of criminals emailing, calling or texting claiming to be from HMRC. Scams come in many forms – some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a tax rebate. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing and HMRC advises customers to take their time and check scams advice by searching for ‘HMRC scams’ on GOV.UK. HMRC also urges tax payers to never share their HMRC login details. Someone using them could steal or make a fraudulent claim in their name.
PAYadvice.UK 8/11/2022
